The Essential Moving Guide ChecklistWe all know that moving can be stressful but according to a survey by North American Van Lines, it’s more frustrating and exasperating than we realized:

  • 64% of participants said moving was ‘one of the most stressful things they’ve ever experienced’
  • 44% said divorce or going through a breakup was easier than moving
  • 43% stated they’d never move again

But rest assured DomiDocs has got your back even when it comes to an irksome task such as moving. We offer our in-depth Moving Guide as part of our New Homeowner Guide, which takes you step-by-step through the entire moving process including how to hire movers, budgeting, potential costs, how to generate some quick cash, and common mistakes when moving. Our handy Moving Checklist covers the basics:

Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before Your Move

  • Determine whether to move yourself or hire movers
  • Budget for your move; the average moving cost in America ranges from $1,500 and upwards, depending on whether you’re repositioning short or long distance
  • Establish a moving date
  • Give notice to your landlord
  • Schedule time off work
  • If it’s a work-related move, keep receipts for expenses as they may be tax-deductible

7 Weeks Before Moving

  • Research and ask the right questions when selecting a moving company; DomiDocs can help you keep track of all potential options with the added ability to take notes on them
  • Obtain three written in-home estimates before selecting your movers
  • Establish a moving timeline
  • Book a moving truck or container rental
  • Book flights and/or a car shipping service if applicable
  • Rent a storage unit if necessary

6 Weeks Before Moving

  • Schedule the movers
  • Obtain moving supplies
  • Notify schools of your move
  • Obtain school, medical, and veterinary records as applicable
  • Schedule a vet check-up for your pet and discuss recommendations for finding a new vet


5 Weeks Before Moving

  • 48% of survey respondents identified packing as the most stressful part of moving 
  • Decide if you’ll be taking larger furniture items with you or if you’ll start fresh
  • Purge and donate items as you pack
  • Make an inventory list and take photos to document valuable items 
  • Hold a garage sale

4 Weeks Before Moving

  • Confirm the scheduled moving date with your mover
  • Consider packing as many items as possible yourself
  • Label moving boxes and establish an ‘open first’ box containing health and beauty items, electronics, and changes of clothes
  • Establish homeowners insurance 
  • Protect your new home from fraud by signing up with DomiDoc’s HomeLock™
  • Properly dispose of any hazardous items

3 Weeks Before Moving

  • Transfer utilities to your new address
  • File a change of address with the post office
  • Send a change of address to:
    • auto insurance
    • banks
    • credit card companies
    • subscriptions
  • Arrange for child and/or pet care on moving day if applicable

2 Weeks Before Moving

  • Secure parking for your mover
  • Change credit card and bank account addresses
  • Start using up pantry and fridge items
  • Transfer any prescriptions to your new pharmacy
  • Schedule an overnight hotel stay if you’re moving long-distance

1 Week Before Moving

  • Reconfirm your scheduled date/time with your mover
  • Clean your old home/apartment
  • Run any last-minute errands
  • Conduct an old home/apartment inspection with the landlord
  • Pack essentials and kitchenware
  • Put out the trash and recycling

1 Day Before Moving

  • Pack up all your essentials and suitcases
  • Empty your fridge/freezer
  • Say goodbyes to your neighbors
  • Gather medications and any valuable items such as passports and birth certificates, keep them on your person during the move
  • Put together moving day snacks/water bottles
  • Gather food, toys, leashes, and water for your pets during the move
  • Fuel up your vehicles
  • Have cash on hand for tipping the movers; it’s not necessarily expected but use five to 10% as a general guideline

Moving Day

  • Do a final walk around of your old home while double-checking shelves, closets, and drawers to ensure you’ve retrieved everything
  • Take an inventory
  • Give back the keys

During any move, organization and planning are the keys to keeping it stress-free but it’s easy to lose the plethora of warranties and manuals you’ve accumulated over the years. Our DomiDocs user-friendly home management platform has a specific feature for uploading and storing all your receipts and documents online. They’re accessible 24/7/365 so you’ll never have to wonder where those maintenance guides are again. Protect your new home, and equity, by signing up for HomeLock™ today and receive all of the benefits of the home management platform free!

Author – Connie Motz